WATCH: Playwright Mark Starling and actor Mateo Oxley discuss bringing new play about a gay footballer, Target Man, to the King’s Head

‘It’s a very hyper-masculine world and the conversation isn’t being had by a lot of clubs.’ How would an openly gay footballer cope in the Premier League? Mark Starling explores the idea in his new play Target Man. Starling, and star Mateo Oxley, discussed the drama with London Live. Check out the interview then book your tickets!

The latest play from theatre company Sliding Tackle runs at the King’s Head Theatre venue from 20-24 August 2019.

Connor’s just signed for a Premier League team. Fame, fortune and the World Cup squad are within his reach. He just needs to play up and keep his head down. But Connor has a secret which football isn’t ready to hear. When he crosses paths with Joel, England’s No. 1, together they make a decision which threatens their careers, private lives, and the very foundations of the game.

Target Man, which explores ideas of coming out in the world of professional sport, is the latest play from Starling, whose work has previously been seen at the Old Red Lion Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and Pleasance Theatre. In autumn last year,it won the Mercury / Weinberger Future Voice Award, given to a rising talent between the ages of 16 and 25 years old.

Rehearsal gallery

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The production is directed by Laura Jayne Bateman, who co-founded Sliding Tackle with Starling, and stars William Robinson,Mateo Oxley, Sian Martin and Edward Wolstenholme.

Sliding Tackle’s production runs at the King’s Head as part of a late summer line up that also includes love story World’s End, comic drama about ‘nice guys’ Stripped and tuneful Harry Potter comedy, Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody.

Watch the interview

‘Target Man’ is a new play preparing to open at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington. Written by Mark Starling @MarkStarling5 and starring Mateo Oxley @MateoOxley, the play explores sexuality in Premier League football. It’s on from August 20-24. pic.twitter.com/HvJ617e23u

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MyTheatreMates works with a select number of high-quality London and regional productions on Featured Content campaigns. If you'd like your show content featured on our website and social media channels, contact us.

Related

MyTheatreMates works with a select number of high-quality London and regional productions on Featured Content campaigns. If you'd like your show content featured on our website and social media channels, contact us.